UChi vs NYU vs Duke vs UVA Forum

[c0llegeStUd3nt]

So, I don't want to post full scholarship numbers on here but COA-wise all of these options will be in the six digit range. UVA and Duke are 40k cheaper than UChi. NYU is at sticker (which has for the most part taken it out of the running).

(Edit: UVA/Duke=180k, Chicago=220k, NYU =280k)

At this point I have pretty much narrowed down my decision to Chicago vs UVA and I am leaning Chicago, but wanted to get some input from you all as I am still very much undecided.

Exit options-wise I am very set on doing big law. My specific interest is in transactional law, but I know this can change. I am most interested in working in either Chicago or New York City after graduation, but I also have interest in California as a third option.

I am a K-JD student. I have ties in California only. I have taken the LSAT twice. I will be financing my education completely through loans. I appealed Chicago aid and have yet to hear back from them, but am not expecting a real adjustment.

[ph14]

So, I don't want to post full scholarship numbers on here but COA-wise all of these options will be in the six digit range. UVA and Duke are 40k cheaper than UChi. NYU is at sticker (which has for the most part taken it out of the running).

At this point I have pretty much narrowed down my decision to Chicago vs UVA and I am leaning Chicago, but wanted to get some input from you all as I am still very much undecided.

Exit options-wise I am very set on doing big law. My specific interest is in transactional law, but I know this can change. I am most interested in working in either Chicago or New York City after graduation, but I also have interest in California as a third option.

I am a K-JD student. I have ties in California only. I have taken the LSAT twice. I will be financing my education completely through loans. I appealed Chicago aid and have yet to hear back from them, but am not expecting a real adjustment.

Numbers matter. $100k cost of attendance is a huge difference from $250k cost of attendance, but both are "in the six digit range." If you want helpful advice you need to post a complete and accurate cost figure, otherwise it's just a stab in the dark.

[c0llegeStUd3nt]

So, I don't want to post full scholarship numbers on here but COA-wise all of these options will be in the six digit range. UVA and Duke are 40k cheaper than UChi. NYU is at sticker (which has for the most part taken it out of the running).

At this point I have pretty much narrowed down my decision to Chicago vs UVA and I am leaning Chicago, but wanted to get some input from you all as I am still very much undecided.

Exit options-wise I am very set on doing big law. My specific interest is in transactional law, but I know this can change. I am most interested in working in either Chicago or New York City after graduation, but I also have interest in California as a third option.

I am a K-JD student. I have ties in California only. I have taken the LSAT twice. I will be financing my education completely through loans. I appealed Chicago aid and have yet to hear back from them, but am not expecting a real adjustment.

Numbers matter. $100k cost of attendance is a huge difference from $250k cost of attendance, but both are "in the six digit range." If you want helpful advice you need to post a complete and accurate cost figure, otherwise it's just a stab in the dark.

ph14, I added the COA figures into the OP

[ph14]

So, I don't want to post full scholarship numbers on here but COA-wise all of these options will be in the six digit range. UVA and Duke are 40k cheaper than UChi. NYU is at sticker (which has for the most part taken it out of the running).

At this point I have pretty much narrowed down my decision to Chicago vs UVA and I am leaning Chicago, but wanted to get some input from you all as I am still very much undecided.

Exit options-wise I am very set on doing big law. My specific interest is in transactional law, but I know this can change. I am most interested in working in either Chicago or New York City after graduation, but I also have interest in California as a third option.

I am a K-JD student. I have ties in California only. I have taken the LSAT twice. I will be financing my education completely through loans. I appealed Chicago aid and have yet to hear back from them, but am not expecting a real adjustment.

Numbers matter. $100k cost of attendance is a huge difference from $250k cost of attendance, but both are "in the six digit range." If you want helpful advice you need to post a complete and accurate cost figure, otherwise it's just a stab in the dark.

ph14, I added the COA figures into the OP

Are those your only options? 180k in loans is quite a lot, even for a good school like UVA or Duke. Do you have any scholarship offers at a lower ranked school? How much did you study for the LSAT and would you consider retaking the LSAT if it could save you some money? (Plus give you a year to get some work experience, which is helpful if you are a K-JD student.)

[LET'S GET IT]

All these numbers are to big for the respective schools for my taste. Your a K-JD, have you thought about taking a year off and trying to get some WE? I would do that unless you can get UChi down to maybe 170-180 range.

[2014]

UChi gives you wildly better at odds at Chicago and California and marginally better odds at New York. Without an interest in DC or the south the pull to UVA should be limited by a lot. Admittedly Charlottesville is a different experience than a (cold) metropolis, and that should matter a little, and 40k is nothing to scoff at, but I think given your goals that Chicago is easily worth 40k more than UVA.

I don't think you can go wrong with either. That is a big enough discount at either where it is justifiable.

[jbagelboy]

Voted Chicago. But the debt + k-jd makes me think retake may be the hidden winner.